Something new for Windsor police.
The police service is launching a pilot program where 26 frontline officers will be equipped with body-worn microphones along with the installation of dashboard cameras in their police cruisers.
The program goes live on Monday, June 3 and is designed to better protect officers and foster greater public trust during police interactions.
It's also meant to help improve evidence gathering, and offer additional transparency and accountability.
The police service says red lights will flash when the devices are recording.
"It protects our members and the members of the public because the interaction is fully on the record and it's unbiased," he says.
Diotte says the moment the officer turns on the lights on the cruiser, the camera starts recording.
"From there, the officers will conduct a vehicle stop that includes, when the camera starts rolling, the microphone itself, which will also start capturing the audio," he says. "So when they exit the vehicle and go to the driver's side door to begin that interaction, that audio will be captured as part of the video from the camera."
The camera and audio can also be turned on manually.
Diotte says the audio is important because it provides context to the video.
"A video alone from a car that's maybe 5–10 feet back when that interaction was occurring always begs the question of what was said at the car. So having that microphone attached to the officers is important," he adds.
The program runs until September 2, 2024 and is in accordance with the framework of the Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, and in consultation with the Windsor Police’s volunteer-run Community Consultative Committee.
The police service says the collection, retention, use, and disclosure of personal information obtained from the microphones and cameras will comply with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Police say the information gathered through the pilot will be used to determine the viability of using the devices service-wide.
WINDSOR POLICE NEWS RELEASE
— Windsor Police (@WindsorPolice) May 30, 2024
Windsor Police to introduce body-worn microphones and in-car cameras
The Windsor Police Service will soon start using body-worn microphones and in-car cameras as part of a pilot program to better protect officers and foster greater public trust.… pic.twitter.com/Ct1RysRzBo